Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reusable assembly for containing, distributing and consuming mineral water comprised of a container (1) having a handle (2), recesses and projections (34) to be piled among several units, which are combined by other means in the form of coupling and locking holes (5a) for bolts (5b) provided on the upper face of a support base (6); wherein the bottom of said container is cut out to provide a large opening (7), however, a portion (8) of said bottom is kept in order to contour said opening (7), in such a way that a vane-like inner part (9) can be placed on said part (8), a plastic bag (10) is placed upon the former and provided with a cylindrical nozzle (11) that can be fit from inside into an opening (12) provided in the lower portion of the front wall of the container (1), wherein said nozzle (11), besides being attached through a nut (13) has inside same a plug (14) tightly fit from inside, acting jointly with a tap (15) provided with the respective actuating knob (16),

Abstract: The invention relates to a drink dispenser (1) provided with a chamber (2) with an opening for accommodating a container (13) containing carbonated drink.

Abstract: A structure for controlling soap discharging quantity of soap dispensing apparatus includes a connector coupling with a liquid soap container by screwing that has a bottom housed in a sleeve. The sleeve has a pump housing on one side formed by an elastic pressure bulb. The sleeve has a discharge opening on the bottom and houses axially an upper valve and a lower valve that form a valve chamber therebetween. The tubular wall of the sleeve on the pump housing on an upper end of the lower valve has a hole. The tubular wall of the sleeve on the upper end of the upper valve has an upper hole. The upper hole can disperse pressure entering the valve chamber to make outlet of the valve chamber smaller thereby to reduce output quantity of the liquid soap. An action passage of vacuum suction force can also be formed to suck the liquid soap held on the bottom of the soap container into the valve chamber.

Abstract: A squeezable container for dispensing liquid soap, including a plurality of walls for simulating different shapes. The walls define an internal chamber for containing said liquid soap to be dispensed. One of the walls include closure means for opening and closing the container and for refilling the internal chamber with the liquid soap, wherein the closure means includes a passageway which allows liquid soap to pass into the internal chamber but not out of the internal chamber. At least one of the walls is formed of a squeezable material having a plurality of slits formed therein to allow the liquid soap to be dispensed from the internal chamber through the slits or holes when a squeezing pressure is applied to the container. The walls have an outer surface forming a scrubbing surface for cleaning.

Abstract: A cartridge for storing and dispensing viscous fluid materials providing excellent productivity and gas barrier properties and free from external appearance defects at the site of film wrapping. The inventive cartridge for viscous fluid materials has a plunger 3 inserted into the bottom portion of a cartridge body 2 fabricated using insert injection molding by integrally molding a cylindrical barrel portion 5 of a multilayer structure produced by laminating a gas barrier layer 8 including a metal thin layer 8a on the exterior periphery or interior periphery of a plastic layer 7, and a lid 6 covering the top of said cylindrical barrel portion.

Abstract: A device (10) for the dosed discharge of a powder-form medium, in particular ceramic powder for dental purposes, including a storage container (12) with a first outlet (40), as well as a slider (20) with a receptacle (18) for a quantity of medium to be dosed, which can be selectively aligned with a first outlet or a second outlet (50), through which the medium can be discharged. In order to achieve reproducible discharge of a defined quantity of free-flowing medium in an uncomplicated design, and since there is no requirement for re-usability after emptying the storage container, the invention proposes that the slider (20) be connected to at least one spring element (26, 28), which admits a force upon the slider to align the receptacle (80) with the first receptacle (40), and that the receptacle can be secured by a lock element (34) in a position aligned with the second outlet (50).

Abstract: A case for portable electronic devices having a magnetically shielded fastener is provided. The case includes a plurality of walls defining a cavity for slideably receiving a portable electronic device and a flap extending from at least one of the walls to enclose the device within the case. A fastener mechanism for retaining the flap in place includes a first fastener in a front wall of the case and a second fastener in the flap. The first fastener includes a magnet and a receiver configured for receiving the magnet and for redirecting the magnetic field generated by the magnet away from the device disposed within the case. The second fastener is configured from a magnetically attractive material. By shielding the magnet, the magnetic field generated by the magnet is redirected away from the device disposed in the case and focused towards the second fastener to maintain optimal pull force closure.

Abstract: The bag carrying harness is a carrying device that includes an elongated neck strap having first and second ends and at least two hooks, the hooks being attached to the neck strap above the first and second ends, respectively, in a lateral chest region of the elongated neck strap. Two shoulder loops are provided. One shoulder loop is attached to a side of the neck strap that includes the first end. The other shoulder loop is attached to an opposing side of the neck strap that includes the second end. A laterally extending torso strap is attached to each of the first and second ends of the elongated neck strap so that a user can cinch a portion of the device proximate the ends of the elongated neck strap about an upper body portion of the user.

Abstract: A shoulder strap assembly includes a shoulder-engaging portion to which a buckle is fixed and a length-adjustable strap which cooperates with the buckle. The length-adjustable strap includes a portion reinforced by metal threads connected to metal threads provided adjacent the fabric wall of the bag to deter cutting through the strap. The reinforced portion of the length-adjustable strap extends through a longitudinal aperture in the shoulder-engaging portion and an unreinforced portion of the strap is provided to extend in a loop around part of a tension-locked buckle.

Abstract: A belt clip apparatus is provided that attaches to a case for a portable electronic device (e.g., a music player, video player, cell phone, etc.) that both swivels and pivots on two different axes. Such a clip can attach to an article of clothing and allow the user to view the screen and access the controls of an electronic device without having to first remove the device from the article of clothing. In one embodiment, the apparatus can stand on a flat surface in either an angled portrait or landscape orientation when attached to the case, thereby allowing the user to choose the optimal orientation for accessing the controls or viewing a screen on a portable device mounted within the attached case. The angle formed between the case and the belt clip can be varied so that the user can optimize the viewing angle of the attached portable electronic device.

Abstract: An elongated garment hanger for use in the rear seat section of an automobile interior providing a means to carry several clothes hangers with garments thereon in such a manner as to not impede the driver's view through the rear window and comprising a rear support member which rests on the rear package shelf behind the rear seats, a handle hook which simply hooks over the grab handle, and a hanger bar which is removably suspendable between the rear support member and the hanger hook and on which garments are hung using common clothes hangers.

Abstract: An accessory basket for attachment to a wheelchair comprising: a sturdy basket, a pivotal extending rail, wheelchair connecting means, and a catch mechanism. Two wheelchair-connecting members are provided; one having a hinge pivot assembly and the other a catch mechanism. The outer telescopic rail is adapted with a strike, mating with a catch adapted to the wheelchair-connecting member, while the inner telescopic rail is adapted with an upper hinge portion mating with a lower hinge portion adapted to an opposing wheelchair-connecting member. A catch release disengages the strike to allow the rail and basket assembly to be rotated on a vertical axis toward the side of said wheelchair, and the basket can thus be extended toward the front of said chair, making access to said basket easy and convenient.

Abstract: A pouch for use with a safety harness including a connector having a first portion and a second portion proximate a dorsal pad assembly of the safety harness includes at least one panel, a first mating member, and a second mating member. The at least one panel is configured and arranged to form a cavity therein and has a front and a rear. The rear has a first side and a second side, and the front has a third side and a fourth side. The first mating member is operatively connected to the first side of the rear, and the second mating member is operatively connected to the second side of the rear. The first mating member is releasably connectable to the first portion of the connector and the second mating member is releasably connectable to the second portion of the connector.

Abstract: A holder for a spackling item comprises a frame having a unitary structure. The frame is removably attachable to a belt of a user. The frame has a tubular portion for removably receiving a handle portion of the spackling item to thereby hold the spackling item so that when the frame is removably attached to the belt of the user, the user is allowed to keep the spackling item on the user's person during a spackling operation without interference with the user's body.

Abstract: The present invention is a pneumatic continuous feeder which, through an air-pressure motive power source, can continuously drive a fixing clip to move back and forth equidistantly and also a mobile clip at the top of the fixing clip, so that when the fixing clip arrives the return point, the material can be downwardly clipped or upwardly released for achieving a continuous feeding. The present invention not only can precisely adjust the moving distance of material in processing for continuously and accurately driving the material to the operation tool, but also can change the driving method for the material to be pull or push in response to the hardness degree of the material.

Abstract: A fastener-driving tool includes a combustion power source configured for driving a driver blade linearly towards a workpiece, and an electrical power source associated with the combustion power source for rotationally driving the driver blade upon completion of the linear travel, both power sources being disposed in the tool.

Abstract: An explosion-driven setting tool includes a setting mechanism (12) driven by a propellant (23), an ignition unit (18) for igniting the propellant (23), a receptacle (15) for receiving a propellant holder (20), a data communication interface (31) for receiving and transmitting data of the propellant holder (20), and a data processing unit (30) for receiving data transmitted by the data communication interface (31) and connected with a display (50) for displaying the propellant supply level (27) of the propellant (23) in the propellant holder having a housing (21) with an interior space (22) for receiving the propellant (23), and a data storage identification unit (40) in which the propellant supply level (27) is stored for being read-out.

Abstract: A staple gun has weight added so as to increase its inertia and has a cable guide member with cable guides at both ends that can be reversed for driving different sized staples. The stapler has a fulcrum member shaped to take advantage of greater hand strength when one's fingers are clenched as compared to hand strength when one's fingers are more outstretched. The feed head of the stapler is configured to prevent staples from jamming.

Abstract: Circuit-breaker arrangement (32) in an indicating arrangement (33) forming part of an electrically powered stapler (1). The stapler comprises a stapling head (2) and an anvil (3). The stapling head comprises an interchangeably fitted staple cassette (5) containing staple blanks (36), and the indicating arrangement. The circuit-breaker arrangement is so positioned that it is moved by the staple cassette from a first to a second position when the staple cassette is fitted to the stapling head and when the power supply via the indicating arrangement changes. The circuit-breaker arrangement (32) comprises an input line (22) and output line (23), of which at least the input line is dimensionally stable and resiliency flexible.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber-reinforced component includes: providing a first composite member having a metal matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein; providing a second composite member having a metal matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein; and joining the first member to the second member by friction stir welding along a predetermined joint path, such that an average volume fraction of the reinforcing fibers within the joint path is substantially the same as an average volume fraction thereof in the composite members before joining. A fiber-reinforced component includes: first and second members each having a metal matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein. The first member is bonded to the second member by a solid state bond along a predetermined joint path, such that an average volume fraction of the reinforcing fibers within the joint path is substantially the same as an average volume fraction thereof in remainder of the members.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for friction (spin) welding separate parts of a plastic component to one another. The apparatus includes a rotational drive assembly coupled to a turret assembly arranged to be rotationally driven thereby about a longitudinal axis. The turret assembly includes at least one drive mechanism and a plurality of spindle assemblies disposed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis, each spindle assembly defining a spindle axis and including coupled to a chuck configured to receive and hold a first part of the plastic component. The chuck is configured to move along the respective spindle axis to contact the first part of the plastic component with a second part of the plastic component. The at least one drive mechanism is configured to move the chuck and the first part relative to the second part at a speed sufficient to permanently bond the first part to the second part during rotation of the turret assembly.

Abstract: A method to provide direct bonding of wires to silicon for microelectronic and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). The method includes preparing a rough “pothole” during one of the many deep etch steps already provided in MEMS fabrication. The method also includes roughening of the smooth silicon surface in and around the rough pothole and plastically deforming a ball-bond into the rough pothole, such that the interconnection will eliminate a costly metallization layer, and thereby lower fabrication expenses and allow high temperature processing.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the removal of excess solder or contaminant, which are encountered on the surfaces of injection mold prior to the transfer of a solder on a silicon wafer. More particularly, there is provided for the removal of excess solder, which may be present on a mold surface, without removing any solder, which is located in cavities formed in the mold, and wherein the solder is applied through an injection molded soldering process.

Abstract: A tooling fixture is adapted to preserve the dimensional accuracy of critical dimension locating components associated with the fixture. The tooling fixture has a plurality of component locators having a body with at least one surface for accurately constraining at least one component part within the tooling fixture. The surfaces of the component locators are exposed to weld spatter. A spatter resistant coating is applied to the surfaces of the component locators to protect their surfaces from accumulating weld spatter thereby preserving the dimensional repeatability of the tooling fixture and decreasing rework or scrap quantities resulting from the component parts being out of specification.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to improve flux spray atomization and/or splash control are described. In one embodiment, a flux nozzle includes a plurality of injection holes to deposit flux fluid through an exit hole of an air cap onto a substrate (such as a printed circuit board). The flux fluid may atomize prior to deposition onto the substrate as relatively smaller broken down flux droplets that may aid reduced spray splash. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A solder flux composition is formulated to lower contact wetting angles on bond pads, and to remain stable until the reflow temperature of the solder. A process includes contacting a bond pad with the solder flux composition and reflowing the solder bump that is in contact with the bond pad and the solder flux composition.

Abstract: A tab system for a folder (10a), and a method of making same is disclosed. The tab is enlarged to carry more information/indicia. The visual indicia space (16a), i.e. the viewable space on the front (32a, 36a) of the folder which allows viewing of the enlarged tab is achieve without violating the overall size restrictions (40a) of the file folder. Instead, the front of the folder adjacent to the tab on the back panel, is cut away (32a,34a) to expose a greater portion of the back panel (14a) and allow an increase in visual indicia space. The remaining portion of the front panel, not adjacent to the tab may also be cut away (34a) to allow other enlarged tab files, with offset tabs, (22d, 21a) to be viewable behind the present file.

Abstract: A container with an opening on one end, with an adhesive flap to seal the container once the desired information and objects are placed therein; said container may then be affixed to a surface, thereby creating a convenient way to keep necessary emergency information both readily available and private.

Abstract: A windowed envelope is disclosed comprising: a first panel with an interior and an exterior side; a second panel attached to the first panel to define an interior portion having opposite side edges, a closed edge portion and an opening portion opposite the closed edge portion to provide access to the interior portion of the envelope; and a flap for sealingly adhering to an exterior surface of the first panel. The flap has an interior and an exterior side and is attached to the second panel at an edge of the second panel opposite the closed edge portion. The envelope comprises thereon an adhesive layer on the interior side of the flap comprising an adhesive; wherein a non-transparent window is located on the first panel or the second panel. The window comprises a reducible dye and a microencapsulated reducing agent, which is adapted to irreversibly change to a transparent window upon heating the non-transparent window to a temperature above room temperature.

Abstract: Packaging made of a suitable see-through material is configured and arranged as a sealed enclosure with an interior cavity for holding a desired article for display through a viewing window. A flap body is made of a see-through flexible, somewhat resilient material and overlies at least a portion of the surface of the enclosure obscuring the portion in an unlifted state. The flap body bends or flips-up about a flexible hinge such that in a lifted state the inwardly facing surface of the flap body is available for viewing along with the obscured surface portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: A container such as a paper cup is formed from a thick paperboard blank. The blank has a predetermined thickness and has a top edge, side edges, and a bottom edge. The regions adjacent at least one, and preferably all, of the top edge and first and second side edges are compressed along the length thereof. When the regions adjacent the side edges are overlapped, a reduced thickness side seam is formed. When the compressed region adjacent the top edge is curled to form the upper lip, a lip of lesser thickness is formed than otherwise would be formed from the paperboard material.

Abstract: A container comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. Each of the walls has a substantially rectangular shape. The rectangular shape of each wall enables the container to be stored easily on a shelf or counter-top. The top wall and portions of the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall form a lid. The lid is pivotally attached to the rear wall by a hinge. The lid can be opened by rotation thereof about the hinge. The front wall has at least one recess and the rear wall has at least one recess. The at least one recess of the front wall and the at least one recess of the rear wall are adjacent to the first side wall. The recesses provide a grip feature, which enables the user to manipulate the lid of the container with one hand when the container rests on a flat surface, e.g., a tabletop or a counter top.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-product container and container blank. In accordance with the present invention, a single sheet of foldable material is cut and scored to define a container blank. The blank includes a variety of panels, flaps and tabs, that when erected, form a container that includes two container areas. The two container areas may be the same size, or they may be of different size. The container includes a top panel assembly that may be locked to close the container. In once aspect of this invention, the container is useful for application such as the pizza market where the pizza is placed in one container area and other items are placed in the second container area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container and container blank for shipping and displaying product that are generally flat and round. In accordance with the present invention, a single sheet of foldable material is cut and scored to define a container blank. The blank includes a variety of panels, flaps and tabs, that when erected, form a container that includes an interior volume having gussets in the corners. The gusseted corners provide a contact surface for product stability within the container. Likewise, the gussets provide overall stability and increased strength to the container. The container includes top panels that close the container.

Abstract: A resealable package integrity closure includes a film layer forming a top of container and having a flap defining an access opening to gain access to the contents of the container. A sealing panel completely covers the flap of the film layer. A releasable adhesive is provided on either or both the film layer and the sealing panel for adhering the sealing panel to the film layer. The sealing panel is releasable from the film layer by pulling the sealing panel back in a peeling direction and reclosable against the top to seal the access opening when the sealing panel is moved back against the top. A coating of transferable material is provided on either the sealing panel or on the film layer, which is transferable therebetween, respectively, when the sealing panel is pulled back from the film layer for a first time to provide a visual indication that the closure has been previously opened.

Abstract: A vote-by-mail return envelope includes a pouch for receiving a ballot. The pouch is formed from a front sheet and a rear sheet. A signature space is provided to be signed by the voter. The envelope also includes an adhesion region at which the front sheet is adhered to the rear sheet to define a boundary of the pouch. The adhesion region separates the signature space from the pouch. Further, the envelope includes a flap to be attached to at least one of the rear sheet and the front sheet to cover the signature space. The signature space may be on the flap, the rear sheet or front sheet.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for improving the readability of printed bar code symbols. The system may include a print station for printing at least one bar code symbol onto a selected substrate, an optional bar code symbol reader for determining whether the printed bar code symbol is readable, an image capture device for capturing a digital image of the printed bar code symbol, an ink removal station having a laser for removing a portion of the printed bar code symbol, and a computing system. The computing system includes an image analysis module for analyzing the images captured by the image capture device. Based on the results of the analysis of the captured image, the system improves the readability of the printed bar code symbol by removing ink from the printed bar code symbol representative of potential deficiencies caused, in part, by the printing methods employed.

Abstract: Detecting wear through use of information-transmitting devices. At least one information-transmitting wireless device is provided for each of one or more wear positions of an item, wherein each of the devices is adapted for transmitting information to a reader, such that each of the devices can transmit information usable for detecting wear of the item as the item wears. When using a plurality of devices for a particular wear position, the devices may be stacked or placed in a depth-wise, end-to-end arrangement. As another alternative, a single device having a plurality of separable areas may be provided for each of one or more wear positions. As yet another alternative, a single device may be provided for each of one or more wear positions such that its failure to transmit indicates wear at the corresponding wear position. An information-transmitting device may become damaged or missing, due to item wear, and an RFID reader may therefore be unable to scan (i.e., receive data from) the device.

Abstract: A check presentation device provides the customers in a hospitality setting, such as a restaurant, with added convenience of instant payment capability. The check presentation device includes a wireless payment receiver, such as, for example and RFID receiver. The check and check presentation device are given to customer seeking to pay and leave the establishment. The customer uses their RFID enabled payment card or device and can input gratuity and/or other information directly into the check presentation device. The check presentation device is in communication with a central clearing facility that confirms receipt of payment and provides confirmation of the same and receipts to the customer directly.

Abstract: An electronic transaction verification system for use with transaction tokens such as checks, credit cards, debit cards, and smart cards that gathers and transmits information about the transaction token and biometric data. The system preferably has the ability to read or scan transaction and account information printed or encoded on the transaction token, digitally encode biometric data, scan drivers' licenses or other identification cards, and take a signature of a customer, all at a transaction location for purposes of account verification.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a lockable first fascia portion (20) which when unlocked enables access to a chest lock input device (104), inputs to which enable opening a chest door (18) of the machine. Opening the first fascia portion also enables access to an actuator (116) which enables moving a second fascia portion (22) for conducting service activities. A controller (72) in the machine selectively illuminates light emitting devices (118, 126) for purposes of facilitating user operation of the machine. Sensing devices (128) adjacent a card reader slot (28) on the machine enables the controller to detect the presence of unauthorized card reading devices. Servicing the machine is facilitated through use of a portable diagnostic article (98) which enables the controller to access diagnostic data stored in memory and which provides data indicative of the significance of the diagnostic data.

Abstract: A method of transaction approval and substantiation employing accumulator logic for medical, dental, and vision claims. For example, a health care plan member may utilize an electronic payment card to pay for various health care related expenses where that electronic payment card is deducting from that member's flexible spending account, health reimbursement arrangement, or other such accounts. For substantiation of a card transaction, in addition to copay matching, paid claim matching, and recurring transaction matching for medical, dental, and vision claims, the method of the current invention further employs accumulator logic processing where the transaction is substantiated if the card swipe amount for that transaction is less than or equal to the sum in an accumulator for the previously paid claims in the appropriate medical, dental, or vision claim area.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to monitoring and providing information regarding usage or presentment of a driver's license, passport, or other government-issued identification documents. One claim recites: a method of operating a data repository including storing data relating to use or presentment of a person's identification credential in first and second different contexts; analyzing the data for evidence of fraudulent usage based on at least predetermined criteria; and if there is evidence of fraudulent usage, notifying the person to the fraudulent usage. Another claim recites: obtaining information from a government-issued identification document for a person, the information initially gathered from the government-issued identification document during presentation at a first location; providing the information to a data center or data repository; and providing a notification to the person concerning said presentation, the notification including data identifying the first location.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for reduction of the likelihood of fraud by having at least one of an identifier of a location from where a request is submitted or information that can lead to identification of the location, submitted with or in addition to a request. Then, determination is made whether to service the request, based at least in part on the location from where the request is submitted or processed. In various embodiments, the location may be compared against predetermined permissible location(s) or a current user location. The request may be a request to conduct a transaction, access data, access a physical or informational resource, or access a secured area.

Abstract: The invention concerns a USB-key type electronic device (73) comprising an electronic circuit mounted on a support (60), a gripping element showing a graphic print and/or customization (p), a protective case (70) arranged at the element so as to cause the graphic print and/or customization to be visible through the case. The invention is characterized in that the graphic print and/or customization is produced on the support (60) bearing the electronic circuit, and in that the case covers directly said support (60). The invention also concerns a method including the following steps: producing an electronic circuit support in the form of a printed smart card with contacts in conformity with the USB standard, producing a graphic customization on a support surface, protecting said graphic customization with a transparent protective shell.

Abstract: The security clearance card, system, and method include a card that stores data to verify the identity of an owner of the card. In addition to other types of information, the card stores biometric data of the owner and other identity data. Different portions of the data may be encrypted with different encryption techniques based upon a predetermined level of security assigned to the portions of the stored data. Reader elements are then capable of reading at least a portion of the encrypted data stored on the security clearance card, and receiving at least one biometric from an individual. The biometric stored in the card is then compared with the biometric of the individual presenting the security clearance card to verify that the holder of the card is the owner of the card.

Abstract: An automatic fare collection solution for a transit system exploits the use of smart payment cards (e.g., MasterCard's PayPass cards) by the commercial payment card industry. The smart payment cards that are issued by commercial card issuers and banks to customers conform to a common or open industry standard such as the ISO 14443 standard for contactless payment cards. A cardholder seeking access to transit services presents his or her smart card to an RFID-enabled card reader at a transit system entrance. The cardholder is granted quick access unless his or her smart card is list of “hot” cards (i.e., lost or stolen, expired or delinquent cards). A card transaction record is prepared and communicated from the card reader to a transit payment platform. The transit payment platform is linked by conventional payment-by-card electronic networks to card issuers and banks for authorization, clearing and settlement of the card transaction.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating a plurality of items each of which has a respective readable validation reference, in which information is read from the validation references, one or more items of the items is identified based on information read by the reading means, and the information is verified by comparison with stored data relating to location, origin or ownership of the one or more items.

Abstract: Swinging open the upstream-side cover part (31) and downstream-side cover part (32) of the check scanning apparatus (1) on a common support pivot (33) opens a U-shaped check transportation path (5). The check transportation path (5) can be opened with a simple single-action operation to remove checks (4) jammed in the check transportation path (5) and for maintenance of the magnetic head (84) and contact image sensors (82 and 83). When the task is completed, the open check transportation path (5) can also be returned to the original closed position by a simple single-action operation. If only those parts that require maintenance are exposed when the check transportation path is open, tasks that require opening the transportation path can be done without damaging other parts and without soiling the operator's fingers.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for an imaging-based bar code reader including an illumination source directing illumination through a focusing lens to generate an illumination pattern directed toward a target object; and the focusing lens including a first optical surface facing the illumination source and a second optical surface facing the target object. The first optical surface, when viewed with respect to the lens horizontal axis, includes a central region having concave curvature and peripheral regions spaced on opposite sides of the central region having convex curvature such that the generated illumination pattern includes variation in illumination intensity projected toward the target object, namely, a central portion of the illumination pattern has relatively lower illumination intensity and outer peripheral portions of the illumination pattern on opposite sides of the central portion have relatively greater illumination intensity.